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Monday, 6 April 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Explorations







PONANT EXPLORATIONS has released special fares on 2028 Polynesian voyages aboard Le Paul Gauguin. Book your dream voyage and enjoy a  bonus of up to 30% off all sailings - seven to 14-night itineraries between atolls and lagoons.

VIKING says book now and for a limited time, save up to 35% across select voyages, with the reassurance of a flexible booking deposit plan should your plans change. Also, double your past guest discount in April. 

JUST YOU, the solo travel operator, is offering savings on 2026 tours including the 11-day Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer tour, departing May 23, 2026.

WEBJET is featuring package holidays in Australia including the Mantra Crown Towers Gold Coast - flights plus five nights from $975pp - and Daydream Island Resort, Whitsundays from $1415pp. Have a look at the site for more holidays - and note the conditions.

FAR EAST INSIDERS says Osaka is more than a stop on a Japan itinerary. "From historic castles and contemporary culture to family‑friendly attractions, explore the gems of Osaka with 32% off hotels in our Global Hotel Sale." Book Period: Now till 30 April 2026.

BEST WESTERN has good news if you are heading for WA. Until May 10 2026, stay three nights at Best Western hotels in Australia and New Zealand to receive a US$50 (approx. A$75) gift card.

TRAVELODGE HOTELS invites you to book now and save 20% at properties across Australia and New Zealand. Plus, make your booking as an eClub Member for an additional discount and instant reward.

FROM LAST WEEK:

FLIGHT CENTRE suggests it's time to explore the Northern Territory. Go swimming in outback waterholes near Alice Springs, stand before Uluru at sunset or explore tropical Darwin. Sale ends 12 April 2026.

TFE Hotels also says go see Australia and save 20% on a new adventure with its Global Hotel Sale. Discover more 100 participating hotels worldwide. Brands include Travelodge and Vibe. Become an eClub member and save more.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is making it easier to see Asia and beyond. For a limited time save up to 15% on selected flights to destinations like Penang, Trivandrum, Phuket, the Maldives and more. Other privileges including child fares, customised bookings, complimentary rebooking and up to 15% off your next booking. 

HX EXPEDITIONS anniversary offers include:• Antarctica: 25% off OR a free suite upgrade (on selected 2026 sailings).• Alaska: Up to 35% off.• Norway: Up to 35% off.• Galápagos: Up to 30% off• Greenland: Up to 15% off.• Svalbard: Up to 15% off.• Northwest Passage: Up to 15% off.

VIKING has added new sailings of the 15‑day Wonders of India itinerary, available from‌ September‍ 2027 through‌ December‍ 2029. Explore India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, visit nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal and Kaziranga National Park. Book  until‌ 31‍ March‍ 2026‍ and choose your preferred offer valued at up to $5,000 per couple. 

CATHAY PACIFIC has a deal for you if you want to stopover in Hong Kong. Enjoy up to $200 off flights on your next trip. Use the code HKSTOP100 for $100 off Economy, or HKSTOP200 for $200 off Premium Economy and Business class flights. Book now for travel from 28 April until 15 December 2026. 

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS: Sure it is expensive - but what a wonderful experience. Fiona and I walked the red carpet and boarded in Venice on our way to Paris and the George V years ago.  There are deals for groups of four and even solo travellers - enjoy select departures throughout 2026 - with no single supplement fee.
Call the reservations team and quote 'VSTWSOLE' to book.

CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from June 21 2026. Enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi and non-stop services to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from $680, London from $962. Flights are on sale now via www.ceair.com. Conditions apply. How good is the service? I will find out in June.

TRADE ONLY: 
Breakaway Travel Club has a couple of last minute deals including Royal Caribbean International's Anthem Of The Seas three Nights Australia And New Zealand starting April 11 2026.

The Travel Industry Club invites you to set sail in style with Silversea's exclusive limited-time offer - enjoy up to 70% off, including an additional 10% discount on selected sailings marked with Savings. Book before 30 April.

Your clients looking for places that FEEL a world away, but don't actually require a journey to the ends of the earth should consider Cue Gundari - a high-end resort on the Greek island of Folegandros. Now entering its third summer season, the Australian-owned, design-driven space offers a considered balance between remoteness and accessibility.

Tour Travel & More, the private tour operator, is featuring exclusive programs exploring the ancient streets of Pompeii, the masterpieces of the Vatican in Rome, and the grandeur of Versailles. Have a look here https://tourtravelandmore.com/tours/

 The Zannier Bãi San Hô resort in Vietnam has reopened following the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi late last year. After several months of intensive restoration, the property, widely regarded as one of Vietnam's most acclaimed luxury coastal destinations. has been carefully returned to its original vision.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.